NWC REJECTS WIKE’S FACTIONAL CONGRESS
The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, disassociated itself from a factional South-South Zonal Congress organized by allies of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike
Reports indicate that the congress, which took place over the weekend in Calabar, Cross River State, was dismissed by the PDP leadership as unauthorized. The event was attended by Wike, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, and PDP’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih.
The PDP has been grappling with internal divisions, with Wike and a group of governors locked in a power tussle for control of the party.
However, a senior party member speaking anonymously to Daily Trust suggested that the latest developments signal growing unity within the NWC under Damagum’s leadership.
“If you have been following PDP’s internal affairs, you’d know that the NWC was previously divided, with some members aligning with Wike. But with the recent troubles of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, things have changed. The NWC is now speaking with one voice,” the source stated.
Unlike in the past, the NWC has not issued conflicting statements regarding the controversial congress.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reaffirmed in a statement that the South-South Zonal Congress had been postponed, clarifying that only the South-East and North-East congresses were scheduled.
He emphasized that the party leadership would address the matter at the appropriate time.
“We have made our position clear, and at the right time, the party will take necessary steps,” he said.
Citing the PDP constitution, Ologunagba stressed that only the NWC has the authority to schedule zonal congresses, urging party members, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the public to disregard claims from the Calabar gathering.
However, Orbih countered Ologunagba’s statement, insisting that the NWC had not met to deliberate on the congresses.
“I am a member of the NWC, and we have not met to discuss this issue. Ologunagba is only expressing his personal opinion and should be ignored,” Orbih said.
At the Calabar event, Wike dismissed allegations of anti-party activities, stating that his decision to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration was made with the knowledge and approval of key PDP stakeholders.
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